LGBT Education Group Denied Spot In Cincinnati St. Patrick's Day Parade

Source: Buzzfeed, Huff Post picking up

Members of Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network are being excluded from marching Saturday in Cincinnati's St. Patrick's Day parade, but an out elected official — City Councilman Chris Seelbach — has their back.

GLSEN had informed the councilman that their request to participate in the parade was declined by one of the parade's organizers, Chris Schulte, specifically because "it's their parade, it's an Irish Catholic parade and we don't want any members of the gay and lesbian community to be affiliated."

Josh Wagoner, GLSEN's Greater Cincinnati co-chair, said in a statement Friday, "We are horrified by the message this sends to LGBT youth, who suffer constant bullying and discrimination, that they are not welcome in Cincinnati."

Huffington Post picking this up, a lot more council members have also withdrawn.

From Chris Seelbach's - "I spoke with the leaders of the group this morning, I tried to find a common ground and prevent any controversy. They made it clear they would not allow any lesbian and gay-affiliated groups to walk in the parade. As a result I cannot participate in the parade willingly."

His Twitter campaign has encouraged the Mayor and other City Council members to withdraw from the parade.